Thread: Imported Shell / Horse Hide

I picked up a couple strops at a flee market and was wondering if anyone has any opinion or knowledge of the quality and difference?
They are both the same brand, at the top of both it says The Popular Beau Brummel and at the bottom it says Pearlduck scientifically treated Razor Strop. The only difference is at the top under the logo one says Imported Shell and the other says Genuine Horse Hide. The horse hide one is thicker and the both have a similar canvas strop attached except one says Genuine Scotch Silk Finish, the other has no markings. They're both in like new condition but the horse hide one appears to be older. I've been using the Imported Shell with good results but haven't tried the Horse Hide.
Any insight would be appreciated

I have a Beau Brummel among my vintage strops. Pearlduck was the importer of dubl duck, among others, and they are first class professional strops. Shell, IIRC , is a specific part of the horse's rump. A very strong, slick and water resistant leather but also horsehide. Beau Brummel straight razors are also of a very high professional quality.

Shell may also refer to the coating on Beau Brummel. Many had a coating on them called "Scotch Shell"
I also have a vintage Dubl Duck Cordovon Scotch Shell strop, very slick like glass...

Yes, slick as glass is a good description. The one that is labeled horse hide has a different feel to it. Not as smooth to the touch. Haven't used it yet. I don't know much about different strops. Is slick a good thing?

I have a very slick DD Shell that Dllandry gifted me. I'm not at home to check if it's Scotch Shell or just regular shell, but I'm pretty sure it's just the regular. Very nice to strop on for that slick feel, but it takes some getting used to if you normally use a higher draw strop.